The Lantern Lady: Traditional Lantern Class in Old Town

Imagine wandering the charming streets of Hoi An, where glowing lanterns hang from every corner, casting a warm, inviting glow. Now, picture yourself crafting one of those lanterns yourself—at an affordable price of just $6 per person, you can do just that. This workshop, led by The Lantern Lady, offers a self-paced, hands-on experience right in the heart of Old Town, perfect for travelers craving an authentic, creative activity.

Two things we love about this experience: First, the variety of fabrics and shapes you can choose from lets you craft a truly unique piece of art. Second, the relaxed, no-rush atmosphere means you can take your time, truly enjoy the process, and leave with a handcrafted treasure packed in a backpack.

A possible consideration? Since the workshop is self-paced and flexible, it might require a bit of self-motivation to start, especially if you’re prone to procrastination. However, with friendly guides and a welcoming environment, you’ll likely find yourself easily engaged.

This activity is particularly ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a meaningful souvenir or a fun introduction to local craftsmanship. If you enjoy arts and crafts, cultural experiences, or simply want a relaxing break from sightseeing, this lantern-making class suits you perfectly.

Key Points

• Authentic Vietnamese tradition: Learn to craft a symbol of luck and happiness—your own lantern.
• Flexible schedule: Come anytime during the day, with no rush, at your own pace.
• All skill levels welcome: Guides are helpful and encouraging, making it suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
• Beautiful materials: Choose from a wide array of fabrics and colors, ensuring each lantern is truly your own.
• Portable keepsake: The foldable bamboo lantern can be taken home easily and packed into your backpack.
• Excellent reviews: With a 4.9-star rating from 156 reviews, travelers consistently praise the friendliness of guides and the quality of their creations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Location and Access

The workshop is conveniently located in central Hoi An, just a short walk from the bustling Old Town. The start point is straightforward: you simply arrive at the designated shop, where the host greets you warmly. The workshop itself is small and cozy, fostering a relaxed environment perfect for creativity and learning.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Once inside, you’ll meet your instructor—and if you’ve prepared by reading reviews, you’ll already have a sense of the friendly, patient guidance on offer. The experience is self-paced, meaning you can arrive any time during open hours, which is especially convenient if your schedule is flexible.

The instructor will guide you through the process of creating a traditional Vietnamese lantern—a symbol of luck, happiness, and wealth. You’ll start by selecting your fabric from an impressive selection of beautifully designed silks and fabrics. Some reviews mention a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find something that resonates with your personal style or home decor.

The Crafting Process

You’ll be working on a pre-made 20cm frame, which can be any shape—round, square, or even more whimsical. The instructor will show you how to affix the fabric to the frame, which is surprisingly straightforward. You’re encouraged to mix and match fabrics or opt for a single color, and the guides will help clarify techniques and assist with details like trimming excess fabric for a polished look.

What makes this class special is that guidance is gentle and encouraging. Multiple reviews mention how helpful and patient the instructors are, ensuring even complete novices leave with a professional-looking lantern. As one reviewer put it, “the staff were very helpful, patient, and encouraging,” making it accessible regardless of your crafting skill level.

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Why This Experience Stands Out

A key feature that many reviews highlight is the quality of the finished product. Travelers have proudly shown off handmade silk lanterns—some have even used the skills learned in the workshop to recreate lanterns back home. For example, one traveler shared how they used fabric from an old dress to craft a lantern, which now hangs on their balcony in Australia, bringing happiness every day.

Another favorite aspect is the ability to take your lantern home, folded into a compact shape that fits easily in a backpack. This portability means you can enjoy your handcrafted treasure long after your trip ends. The lanterns can also be lit up with small LED candles, creating cozy atmospheres both in your hotel room and back home.

Additional Options and Special Features

You can opt for either a paper lantern that can be lit and floated on the river—an experience many reviews say is magical—or a foldable fabric lantern with vibrant silks. The choice allows you to tailor the activity to your interests. Some guests mention they enjoyed the extra flexibility, especially families with children, as the pre-assembled bamboo frames make the process easier.

Pricing-wise, at just $6 per person, the experience offers excellent value. For that price, you get high-quality guidance, access to a variety of fabrics, and a beautiful, handcrafted souvenir that is both meaningful and functional.

Who Will Love This?

This activity is perfect for anyone who enjoys arts and crafts, culture, or looking for a unique souvenir. Families with kids will appreciate the straightforward, fun process, while couples and solo travelers will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to create something personal. Many reviews mention how therapeutic and relaxing the experience is, with some even returning for second lanterns.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Come in comfortable clothes and shoes—you’ll be working with fabric and scissors.
• The workshop is self-paced, so plan to spend as much or as little time as you like.
• No prior crafting experience is needed; guides are there to help.
• Bring your camera—the setting and your finished lanterns are picture-worthy.
• Reserve ahead if possible, but you can also just walk in—keep in mind, many travelers say the experience is so popular that booking is recommended.
• The activity does not include transportation or food, so plan accordingly.
• Smoking is not allowed inside the workshop for safety reasons.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience for You?

If you’re looking for an affordable, authentic, and fun activity that results in a beautiful handmade souvenir, this lantern-making class is a standout choice. The friendly guides, stunning fabric options, and relaxed atmosphere make it suitable for all skill levels and ages. Whether you want a peaceful activity to balance busy sightseeing or a meaningful way to connect with Vietnamese culture, you’ll find this workshop rewarding.

It’s especially appealing if you appreciate creative hands-on experiences, want a portable keepsake, or love the idea of contributing to a local craft tradition. Plus, with such glowing reviews, you can be confident that you’ll walk away with a beautiful lantern—and perhaps some new crafting skills.

This is more than just a craft class; it’s a chance to make a lasting memory of your time in Hoi An—an authentic piece of the city’s charm that you can hold onto forever.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need prior crafting experience to join?
No, guides are very helpful and encouraging, making this activity suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

Can I come at any time of day?
Yes, the workshop is self-paced, so you can arrive whenever it’s convenient during open hours, with no rush to finish.

Is the lantern foldable and easy to carry?
Absolutely. The finished bamboo lantern folds tightly and fits comfortably in a backpack, making it easy to take home.

What materials are used for the lanterns?
You’ll choose from a wide range of beautifully designed fabrics and silks, which are both vibrant and durable.

How long does the workshop last?
The duration depends on your pace, but since it’s self-guided, you can spend as much or as little time as you like within the open hours.

Are the lanterns suitable to light up?
You can add small LED candles to your paper lanterns for a gentle glow; the fabric lanterns are primarily decorative but can also be lit up safely with appropriate lights.

What is the price?
The activity costs just $6 per person, offering excellent value for a high-quality, handcrafted souvenir.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the workshop is not included, so plan to walk or arrange your own transport.

Overall, if you’re seeking a meaningful, relaxing, and culturally enriching activity in Hoi An, this lantern-making experience hits all the right notes. It’s a perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and value that leaves you with a beautiful memory—and a lovely lantern to remind you of Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: